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Tatjana Schocher
Tell
us a bit about yourself.
Tatjana Schocher, 23 years old, I live in beautiful Switzerland and I now
start school for marketing assistant.
What type of bike do
you ride?
This year I’ve been riding a Felt! I also like GT and Cycle Craft! I’m
still waiting for some offers for the new bike 2003!
Who are your
sponsors?
This year I was racing for the BMX Racing Team Switzerland. Fox was our
Co-Sponsor.
How did you get
involved in BMX and how long have you been racing for? How long do you
think you will keep racing for?
My sister Natascha was a good BMX-Racer and brought me into the BMX-Scene.
I started in 1984 and I’ll be racing as long as I have fun to do it!
I’m looking forward to the World Championship in Valkenswaard in 2004!
What major results
and achievements have you had?
I’ve been:
15 times Swiss Champion
3 times Vice World Champion
2 times Winner of the World Cup
4 times European Champion
2 times Vice European Champion
and
World Champion Cruiser
2002
What has been your
most memorable moment in BMX?
European Championship in Maestra/Sweden European Championship in Vallet/France
World Championship in Vallet/France
What has been your
biggest disappointment in BMX?
The year 2000!
What is the racing
like for girls in Switzerland? How does this differ from the European
scene?
Well, in fact it’s really sad! At the moment we have 9 Girls with a
licence for the Junior Elite Women category, but there are only 3 taking
part in the Swiss Championship! So Nicole Muheim (Junior), Karin Laupsien
(Elite) and me are racing against the Junior Men! I really like racing
against the boys! And I’m happy when I can join the main final!
At the European Series we always have semi-finals! And there are a lot of
pretty good riders! The harder the race the bigger the satisfaction (when
you’re in the final :-) )
What is the pro
girls class like in Switzerland? How does this differ from the European
Series?
Well, as I already told you we’re only 3 girls. It’s like this: every
girl has to pay CHF 40 (about 27 US$), the club is paying CHF 200 - and
the total amount is given to the girls: 3* 40 - + 200 - = 320.- so the
winner gets 30% (96-) the second 20% and the third 15%!
The men have the same system, but the club is paying an amount of 300!
I think this system is ok, if there would be just more girls racing!
Can females make a
living out of racing BMX in Switzerland or in the European Series?
At the European Series is of course a lot more money, but in fact never
enough! Even if a girl is winning all the races she’ll never have the
money she paid to get there (travel, inscription, hotel or camping, food
etc.). So I’m paying about 20'000 - CHF per year from my own for all
races and material!
What is the racing
scene in general like in Switzerland? How does this differ from the
European Series?
This year we started a
new system in Switzerland. We have 6 weekends for the Swiss Championship!
So 12 races, the best of 9 races is the Swiss Champion! Per weekend is
only one times prize giving - so Saturday and Sunday is counting together!
I don’t really like that system, but I don’t care - I just ride for
winning all the points!
Our Season starts from April until October. Shortly after the World
Championship is a small break of two or three weeks.
The European Series starts in April and are finished before the World
Championship.
What other countries
have you raced in? Have you ever raced in Australia?
I’ve never took part of another National Championship except the one in
Switzerland.
What has been your
favourite country to race in and why?
I like the races in Holland, because there is always a good organisation.
Like in Switzerland, France and Latvia!
If you have been to
Australia, what did you think of it?
It’s a nice country with a cool nature! And I like the parties with
Natarsha :-) !
Who is your
favourite male and female bmx’er and why?
Well, my idol is Helena Aubry! She’s a great rider (European Champion
2002) with a beautiful style and a nice person! This year I had a lot of
fun with my friend Ellen Bollansée! I know her since we were small girls.
By the men are many! They are all doing a lot of good practice and have my
respect! Especially the ones who are working or going to school!
What Australian
female bmx’ers have you heard of and what do you think of when think
about these riders?
I know Natarsha Williams and she’s a cute personality! I really like to
meet her! She is one of the most powerful girls!
How often and what
do you do for training?
I’m doing sprints, fitness and technical practice on the track. I try to
practice every day!
What is your
favourite TV show?
Well some Soaps like Sabrina or Friends!
What is your
favourite type of music?
I like the charts!
Do you play any
other sports or have any other hobbies besides BMX?
I like swimming, dancing and skiing!
What do you do in
your spare time?
Internet, TV, cinema or meeting friends!
What
are your future goals/ambitions? Is there anything that you haven’t
achieved yet, but would like to?
I still want to win a European Championship!
Are you planning on
coming to Australia for the 2003 World Titles?
Yes, I think I’ll be in Perth!
Is there anybody you
would like to thank?
I’d like to thank to my parents and my sister. To GT, Fox and Moto
Marketing. As well as my Team-manager Ali Dridi.
And all the riders who are giving me some tips or just having a good time
with me on the races!
Thank you for your time and we might see you in Perth in 2003.
Thank you!